Gatton

Gatton lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Gatton's population is estimated at around 165,460 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 42,184 people (34.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 123,276 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,649 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 107 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,861 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Gatton's 34.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb of Gatton was primarily driven by interstate migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national areas, is predicted over the period with the suburb of Gatton expected to expand by 63,252 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 61.1% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Gatton was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval data allocated from statistical area information, Gatton recorded approximately 1605 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 8025 homes. As of FY26670 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.9 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed annually between FY21 and FY25.

Residential supply appears to lag demand, potentially indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost for new properties is $771000, suggesting a focus on premium segment upmarket properties. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $77400000, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Gatton has 296% higher development activity per person. This high level of activity is above the national average and indicates strong developer confidence in the area. New developments consist of 96% detached houses and 4% attached dwellings, maintaining Gatton's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes.

This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 195% houses, potentially due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 74 people per dwelling approval, Gatton exhibits characteristics of a growth area. However, given stable or declining population forecasts, it may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Gatton has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones are The Range View Estate, Emerald Heights, Lockyer Energy Project, and Plainland Home & Life Centre. The following details projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The exceptional employment performance in Gatton places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Gatton's workforce is skilled with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.9% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.9%. The area had an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation was 135.0% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Dominant employment sectors included construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Construction had particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 3.5 times the regional average. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 5.9% while labour force grew by 5.6%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% with a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gatton's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that median income in Gatton is $105,314 and average income stands at $120,048. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income would be approximately $120,047 and average income around $136,843, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year ending June 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes rank at the 160th percentile ($4,212 weekly), while personal income ranks at the 126th percentile. The $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 80.2% of Gatton's community (132,698 individuals). Higher earners are substantial, with 52.8% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 66.8% of income. Strong earnings rank residents within the 158th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Gatton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Gatton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 194.6% houses and 5.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gatton was at 41.8%, with the rest either mortgaged (116.2%) or rented (42.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Gatton was $4,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Gatton was recorded at $780, compared to Brisbane metro's $310. Nationally, Gatton's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Gatton features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 172.8% of all households, including 92.6% couples with children, 52.2% couples without children, and 26.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining -72.8%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households making up 4.4%. The median household size is 6.4 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.5.

Gatton shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Gatton has a higher proportion of university-qualified residents aged 15+, at 27.2%, compared to its SA3 area average of 23.1%. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification (19.6%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 91.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas (22.4%) and certificates (68.6%). Educational participation is high in Gatton, with 64.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. Primary education enrollment stands at 25.8%, secondary at 20.2%, and tertiary at 6.4%. Gatton's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,891 students, serving typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 955). School capacity exceeds residential needs, with 23.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.2, indicating Gatton serves as an educational center for the broader region.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis of public transport in Gatton shows that there are 108 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 6 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes offer 890 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as limited, with residents typically located approximately 3950 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 127 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

Gatton's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Gatton's health outcomes show notable results across various age groups. The prevalence of common health conditions is evident in both younger and older residents. Approximately 100% of Gatton's total population (~164,798 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 51.0%.

Nationally, the average is 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions in Gatton, affecting 17.8% and 17.6% of residents respectively. However, 139.2% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 65.3%. Gatton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.9% (37,824 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 18.8%. While health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population, they present some challenges that need to be addressed.

Gatton is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Gatton's cultural diversity is notable, with 15.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 37.8% born overseas. Christianity dominates Gatton's religious landscape, comprising 90.2%. The 'Other' religion category represents 2.0%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 2.2%.

Ancestry-wise, the top groups are English (61.4%), Australian (57.0%), and Scottish (14.4%). These figures exceed regional averages of 28.1%, 27.4%, and 7.9% respectively. Notably, New Zealanders make up 3.2% compared to the region's 0.5%, Maori at 2.8% versus 0.3%, and Samoans at 1.4% against 0.1%.

Gatton's population is younger than the national pattern

Gatton's median age is 68 years, which is significantly older than Greater Brisbane's median age of 36 years and higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Brisbane average, the 5-14 age cohort is notably over-represented in Gatton at 33.3%, while the 85+ age cohort is under-represented at 1.6%. This concentration of the 5-14 age group is well above the national average of 12.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 26.0% to 28.3%, while the 75 to 84 age cohort increased from 5.6% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has declined from 26.8% to 25.2%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 27.6% to 26.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Gatton's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase by 370 people (14%), from 2,680 to 3,051. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, emphasizing demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.